Victor Lustig: The King of Con Men who Sold the Eiffel Tower

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Credits:
Host - Simon Whistler
Author - Arnaldo Teodorani
Producer - Jennifer Da Silva
Executive Producer - Shell Harris
Business inquiries to [e-mail]
Other Biographics Videos:
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Source/Further reading:
www.smithsonianmag.com/histor...
www.headstuff.org/culture/his...
rustyhinges.libsyn.com/the-tal...

[@Biographics]

Thanks NordVPN! Check NordVPN out and get 75% off here: nordvpn.com/biographics

[@gamer969rivere5]

born in 1890 and lived in paris between 1808 - 1809?

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Well well well....Just makes one wonder...How many Con jobs he pulled off that we don't know of...Anyway Thanks very much...Ky.over and out...!

[@Voo504Doo]

wish i had extra 100 something to do the 3 year plan or whatever is good deal

[@IntrepidFraidyCat]

If you want to make an interesting yet different episode...try Glyndwr Michael. His life was short and sad but his amazing secret service after his death is worthy of your consideration. One of the best documentaries I've seen is a very long time about this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnPOZKaJiqdojpY

[@Overworkedandunderpaid]

Gamer 969 Rivere lol. I’m glad I checked the comments. I almost said that. 😂

[@ciaratalbot738]

Scamming Al Capone. Now that's ballsy.

[@charliesthill4790]

Ciara Talbot The most profitable scams are usually the most risky.

[@mike.p.1400]

Thompson did it too.

[@fifacraft49]

Your channel is literally more interesting then anything paid cable has to offer just throwing that out there

[@christineparis5607]

You're not kidding, my husband has been home sick and the only channel he's had on is playing every single Fast & Furious movie, one after the other....(which is actually the same movie over and over with ever more meaty actors and more expensive cars....) I've spent all day to the squealing of car tires, explosions, manly one liners and dramatic orchestra music mixed with family friendly rap. Cable is dead.

[@Biographics]

Thank you.

[@3EBstudio]

and the in it self is a fact

[@fvckgoogle7894]

Didn't know paid cable was still even a thing. Mine is only used for internet and has been that way since 2006

[@Biographics]

You honestly didn't know cable tv was still around?

[@jeffgalus8454]

He conned Al Capone and got away with it that man has serious balls

[@goneutt]

The problem with stories about Victor Lustig is that they come from Victor Lustig

[@redwolf6334]

Dang

[@isaiahbalahadia3880]

Plot twist: it’s completely false, he only did it to make himself look more of a badass

[@michaelkahler4406]

Master Social engineering architect

[@markcromwell1975]

@@Ms.Pronounced_Name 🤣🤣👍🏻 any minute now😀

[@notyaboi5939]

22 dislikes were people who bought the romanian box

[@VVEmil]

Romanian here and I kinda wonder why they named the box like that.

[@Biographics]

:D

[@tambow44]

Vanquisher Vanguard Emil not sure if it’s why, but “Romanian” secret boxes are a pretty popular puzzle game.

[@VVEmil]

@@tambow44 Huh....never heard of it.

[@KaitoSchmidtOfficiial]

its called hungarian box because victor was hungarian

[@dumbcat]

the modern day con men are managers who tell you the company cannot 'afford' to give you a raise, even as the company posts record profits

[@gregorythoman8281]

You do not understand that corporations have shareholders. Those shareholders, who have invested in a company expect to be rewarded through dividends when a company is profitable. They are the ones who get hit if the company is not profitable you, the worker, does not.

[@dumbcat]

@@gregorythoman8281 publicly traded companies can still afford to give their employees raises. they give their officers raises all the time. don't make excuses for evil

[@simon8242]

@@dumbcatIt's not evil. You agreed to the contract. You can't call it evil just because someone else got a raise instead of you.

[@dumbcat]

@GG why do you assume i am not an investor. of course i am. don't be silly. being a publicly traded company is NOT an excuse to avoid giving staff raises

[@AyrtonGraves]

The man who sold the Eiffel Tower. Starring Robert DeNiro... I’d buy that for $20

[@FreyasArts]

I'd watch it if Victor Lustig was portrayed by Nick Cage 🤪

[@donaldjones9830]

He sold it twice and tried a third time before his "mark" screamed about it.

[@prettypointlessvideo]

So he sold it to you again

[@Biographics]

@@FreyasArts The only sensible choice.

[@AeneasGemini]

@@Clipgatherer De Niro has been many things in his career, but charming is not one of them. He plays the same tough guy in nearly all of his films, none of those strike me as the kind who could talk people out of their life savings Personally I'd go with Tom Hardy, Jude Law or Tom Hiddleston. For that kind of charm, you need to go British

[@cherylabellar2311]

What surprises me about Al Capone, is not the 50K & 5K he parted with, but the fact he never heard of Victor L, to begin with despite his connections.

[@dx1450]

Maybe he used a different name...

[@andrewdijoseph904]

Al Capone wasn’t the smartest guy in the world lmao

[@zanarchy9769]

At around the 2:30 mark, you have 1808 and 1809 on graphics, but say 1908 and 1909.

[@keineahnung6124]

He does that in almost every video,,I think he does it to tickle our minds.🤔

[@Elora445]

@Z Anarchy In this case, the graphics are wrong and what he says is correct. Easy enough to figure out since Lustig was born in 1890.

[@margeoconnor166]

Proofing and Editing are not among their strengths.

[@RasPutintheGreat]

He speaks fast, it's normal for him.

[@margeoconnor166]

I dont mind the pronunciation problems. I give him credit for attempting.

[@alissaholiday3724]

Simon should just go ahead and start his own university. All of KZbin is already enrolled. He's only to establish the virtual institution.

[@leonbrown3095]

Alissa Holiday he just the host he has a scrip writer

[@Biographics]

@@leonbrown3095 We have 4 writers on staff that help provide the research and the writing. But Simon brings it to life. - Shell

[@alexandercarder2281]

Great idea. I'd sign up for that 😉

[@alissaholiday3724]

@@Biographics you all do fantastic! I'm simply pointing to Simon as he is an obvious choice to be a professor/Don. As a side note, thank you all for your work. You really put a lot into your videos, and it shows.

[@alissaholiday3724]

@@leonbrown3095 I understand. He just happens to be an easy name to reference.

[@andresprieto6554]

What a character. Loving your bios, one of the best channels around.

[@nickvickers9357]

Would you be so kind and do Mad Jack Churchill? I'll quit spreading rumors about Simon.

[@isaacschmitt4803]

*casually invades Normandy with a bagpipe, a longsword, and bow*

[@CorbCorbin]

Mad Lads

[@Blackpool-no2vt]

What's the rumour about Simon, juicy gossip

[@Heyitsaddie23]

I heard he's bald because he gave his hair to a naked yeti. What a guy.

[@shanek6582]

Nick Vickers I read his brothers book last year hoping to get some info on mad jack but there wasn’t too much about him, I don’t recommend it.

[@mariethemagnificent2000]

This Bio was fascinating. I love this channel.

[@alonjudkovsky5137]

This is the best biographics episode so far, and I've heard them all

[@Biographics]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@Brickinasock]

Love the video, as always. His story is definitely ripe for an adaptation of some kind!

[@migukmoonpark4312]

Who else first heard about the guy in 48 Laws of Power?

[@libertarian-xp3yi]

Robert greene, that's where I heard of main man, way to go biographics for having such a different verse pool of ppl in whom to biograph.(is that a real word?lol)

[@melanineyedoc]

Me. Along with Joseph Weil and a few others....

[@williamkz]

Yup. Me too.

[@sujinb-dt4oq]

law 33 Observance II

[@anelisajustanelisa236]

Simon, your narration is becoming soooo good!

[@Rayhid1956]

This is one of your videos that I have enjoyed the most.

[@stephaneclerc667]

Bloody hell Simon, 3 amazing videos today ! Never ever have I enjoyed the toptenz, Biographic and Today I found out clips so much in one day.

[@juliestevens6931]

The racing con sounds a lot like the plot of the movie "The Sting" with Paul Newman and Robert Redford.

[@gmb858]

It was.

[@lokiorin5520]

Honestly it wouldn’t shock me if “Henry Gondorff” was based on this guy. He even has a love interest named Billie

[@mfhberg]

Correct.

[@henriqueoliveira3872]

I think a video on franz joseph the ruller of austrio-hungary would be an awesome video. Loved the video!

[@jasonbigg8341]

One of your best my good man. Thank you.

[@freeze1305]

This is a really good channel with great quality infotainment! Love it. Keep it up!

[@Biographics]

Well thanks :)

[@devinwrightmusic]

This whole time I just assumed you had millions of subscribers. Keep it up love it!

[@Kenxclout]

Girl you must be that tower in Paris Because Eiffel for you..

[@cynthiaadams2392]

😝

[@antonsollfelner8635]

Lol

[@christineparis5607]

It's not often I laugh and throw up at the same time....

[@AmeshaSpentaArmaiti]

boo. stop this. jk keep going

[@jessaguilar4747]

Smooooottthhhh

[@mathewnorris5008]

This is my fave biographical yet,i remember reading about "count Victor"s scams as a kid but never had a shred of his life story. You mightnt have got it all but you hit the 7 on the target. Jolly good show old bean

[@kali3665]

This is a figure I always wanted to see a bio of. "Count" Lustig, one of the greatest con men who ever lived. Thank you for doing this one!

[@thealchemist1480]

and Bismarck too

[@DarkGlass824]

Great video Simon!!!!!!

[@MandieLynneReview]

Great work!

[@CelticCross74]

This one was fantastic. You’re commentary had me cracking up. Thanks for starting my day of with a laugh.

[@lucyhartnett7330]

My internet was down for the last hour , I tried to watch normal TV but it was shite as ever, i missed this channel and the interesting things Simon tells us about.its good to be home lol

[@Biographics]

Welcome back. I'm sorry that you had to go through that.

[@sexysergioscotland6133]

Brilliant 😁 biographics is the best thing on KZbin 👍

[@ignitionfrn2223]

0:55 - Chapter 1 - A bohemian rhapsody 3:50 - Chapter 2 - Across the pond 5:45 - Chapter 3 - Adventures in america 9:45 - Mid roll ads 11:05 - Chapter 4 - The eiffel job 13:50 - Chapter 5 - Back to the USA 15:50 - Chapter 6 - The secret service is on the case 18:00 - Chapter 7 - Final curtain

[@cathalkelly8796]

Brilliantly interesting!

[@alexandercarder2281]

As always Simon, fantastic story. I guess he was the inspiration for the film 'The Sting'

[@gatecrasher0380]

Ive never heard of this guy but he's absolutely one one of my heros now. Lol. Great video. Thanks Simon and team.

[@musiclover01ization]

This was an entertaining video.

[@highfury319]

Love the video's! Can you do one of Michiel de Ruyter (Dutch Naval Hero) next? :)

[@Heyitsaddie23]

I so enjoyed getting to hear two his story in two different ways by Simon! I remember Simon and Daven covering him in one of the first Brainfood episodes last summer. That version was so playful and funny! I was laughing the entire time they talked about it. This version seemed more to the point but very engaging! Wonderful episode.

[@JoelMMcKinney]

One could argue that your rendition is better than any movie reenactment could ever be.

[@dumaneduard]

This may have been the best video yet :)))))))))))))

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you .

[@Nerd_of_Anarchy]

That beginning reminded me of the end of Clue. Good job editor

[@HikaruKatayamma]

Actually, having had the Secret Service show up at my door, I can definitely attest to the fact they say "Hello, we're with the Secret Service." Not "I'm a secret agent."

[@HyperionaSilverleaf]

Sounds remarkably polite.

[@Biographics]

@@HyperionaSilverleaf That depends on the situation. I'm sure if it calls for it they'll just be screaming "GET DOWN ON THE GROUND"

[@bingeltube]

Very recommendable

[@mokeenoch7900]

This joker's name literally means "funny/ridiculous" in German.

[@Wardner213]

Could you please do a bio on Ip Man? Thank you :)

[@aymarafan7669]

This channel along with many others, are way more interesting then anything that’s on History channel, Discovery, nowadays. I have leaned so much valuable information on so many complex people, and the story of human history through them, even people I am have not heard about, or have had not much interest in. Thank Biographics, thanks for not having stuff like “Pawn shop Wars” and “Alien Conspiracies,”

[@Biographics]

Thank you. With thousands of wonder choices to choose from, why would we ever need to change what we do?

[@aymarafan7669]

@Biographics Exactly!

[@DoraFauszt]

The fact that his family name means "funny" in German just makes the situation all that more ironic 😂

[@nirvan1617]

Hello 🤝 Dora, I hv Read About Count Viktor Lustig & Am Fascinated by his Personality..

[@milkapeismilky5464]

LOVED IT! MAKE A MOVIE!

[@smooveoprator6431]

Simon... you really had fun presenting this multiple personality. You seem impressed! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Best vid on biographics yet!

[@s70rk]

Now that's what I call a solid biography.

[@jimjawz]

Never board with you, bruuuuh, Great content...

[@Biographics]

Thank you

[@tracylalonde5813]

Simon, I think you're awesome!

[@justineaston8202]

Got conned into watching this video. Totally worth it

[@ArielViera]

Please do a bio on Simon Whistler! I see him in so many KZbin channels but don’t know he is!!

[@mikewhipp2984]

The telegraph scam with stealing the wallet and returning it is the exact storyline to the movie The Sting from 1972.

[@heyphilphil]

I knew about him from 48 Laws of Power. AWESOME!

[@3EBstudio]

yo those Rules applies to everything... this reminds me of the musical play ' How to succeed in business without really trying'

[@stolendrones]

@Biographics - every time I get a ping from KZbin, I hope it’s one of YOUR episodes. THANK YOU!!! PS: House of Borgia!!!

[@zmanjace1364]

Yeah, he needs a movie. I'm feeling a top tenz video topic here. It could be one with a few additions too.

[@1013Mrjake]

Next up on biographies: Simon Whistler: The Man who broke every airtime record on planet earth. And on today I found out: Simon Whistler: How he worked 30 hours a day, every day.... the man, the myth, the legend....ary chest hair. I’m still working on the title.

[@Biographics]

One thing is for sure. And that's the chest hair.

[@Biographics]

@Ken Hudson I actually just speak nonsense, but people are so distracted by my chest hair that they don't notice.

[@Ecto13]

Simon, you should do john Paul jones from the revolutionary war.

[@majesticfeet1]

Yes, then you can tell about his invasion of Britain, and the operation to find his body and bring it back to the United States!

[@theangelforjusticeorgoul8966]

Yes please do John Paul Jones

[@cascorick8253]

ecto13 the history guy did one on him it's pretty good! Simon does a real good job, I think the history guys a little bit better though!

[@cascorick8253]

ecto13 the history guy did one on him it's pretty good! Simon does a real good job, I think the history guys a little bit better though!

[@majesticfeet1]

@@cascorick8253 Link baby link

[@nejm612]

Classic...definitely movie worthy

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

That's nothing compared to when Mr. Krabs sold SpongeBob's soul for 62 cents

[@BillKermanKSP]

srsly like 50% of the videos i watch i see you

[@skyoperation9987]

Lustig can mean weird or shady in Swedish so yeah describes him pretty good.

[@becsocsci621]

Excellent guide to life

[@ehcastro3156]

I read in a book somewhere that mentioned this small tidbit about the Eiffel Tower deal: one of the buyers was getting cold feet because something's off but when Lustig indirectly asked him for a bribe that buyer sighed with relief, thinking Lustig's the real deal.

[@dx1450]

Yeah, because someone running a con normally wouldn't ask for a bribe. Nice misdirection, making the mark think that was the illegal part...

[@loudmouftheuniversity2014]

48 laws of power

[@Jason_Maier]

I see what you did there introducing Victor!

[@drakelellios9096]

This Chanel has taught me more about individuals in history than any history class ever and I feel that should be praised and his beard should be as well

[@Mrflapjackz03]

Heck ya, thatd be a dope movie!

[@Spencer481]

This guys life is 'The Sting', 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels', 'Oceans 11', 'Catch Me if You Can', all wrapped into one

[@adxpt_]

Not even lying, and I know I can’t confirm this, but this is my great great uncle. He is from Austria and came to the us before settling in Illinois. My last name is lustig, which I get from my dads side obviously, and he is from Illinois. There is proof that victor settled down and had a family before being sent to Alcatraz. I think it’s pretty cool, you don’t have to believe me, but that’s what I have to say

[@charlesfreitag8338]

Hi Simon. Thank you so much for all your videos. I work the late shift and am able to listen to the radio and the internet while I'm on the clock. I can only listen to them though. What's nice about them is that they work great that way! It truly helps the 10hrs of standing on my feet go relatively quickly. Keep up the great work. On a quick side note. I really appreciate your middle of the road coverage of political issues on VisualPolitik.

[@jordanianchristian8387]

lol I just got back from the Eiffel Tower. You posted the video when I was in the car coming back from the Eiffel Tower.

[@andrewbuhman1066]

Simon Whistler: Using the alias Robert Duvall... Me: Whaaaa....?

[@radustanciu2445]

LOVE your content, here and on your other channels. I have have a Suggestion : do an episode on the Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu! I am old enough to have lived in communist Romania and would be curious of how it’s been perceived in the world. Your take on it will , of course, make it more interesting to watch!

[@sirdarklust]

Excellent video. I have read about Lustig over the years and am amazed by how good he was.

[@TrueRetroflection]

Lustig already has a TV show. It’s called “Better Call Saul”

[@BrianSmith-vl7xu]

There should be a movie about this!

[@leon_De_Grelle]

I freaked when I saw this title. I read about this man first in 48 laws of power. he's amazing.

[@Jackal_007]

Same

[@christineparis5607]

GREAT book!

[@mellie4174]

i would totally be up for a movie about this guy! like catch me if you can but in the belle epoque with all the great costumes! you gonna make one ? ;)

[@kjn-s2336]

A movie of him would be cool

[@williamparker2922]

Feeling like somebody has been watching some of TGV's episode's.

[@686harley]

wow in the top 50 for comments!Thanks for the videos... would love to see a video on Sir William Mackenzie King, British explorer that crossed north America! traveled the Peace River and came through what is now Hudson's Hope B.C where I'm from.

[@Thomas-vd4hu]

19:06 they said "jetzt ist Schluss mit lustig"

[@busnello1987]

Simon, is too much of a dream a Otto Skorzeny bio?

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

What a madlad

[@terryokechukwu4743]

Best birthday gift ever

[@Ohaechesi]

A MOVIE OF HIM WILL DO FINE

[@naomimia3368]

How has this not been made into a movie?

[@noctusoverdroid425]

Do yourself at 1 million! Everyone wants to see it!

[@Biographics]

Everyone? No, Simon doesn't. ;-)

[@kervd5416]

#Awesome!!!

[@wolfcat1998]

Suddenly Terry Pratchett's "Moist Von Lipwig" character makes way more sense...

[@HyperionaSilverleaf]

I think Lustig was the inspiration. Love that trilogy.

[@aymarafan7669]

HBO and/or Netflix are gonna start using some of the information for their movies and TV programs.

[@stellaercolani3810]

You can feel these mischievous makers😁

[@thereal4114]

Are you the host of another KZbin channel? I think a top ten list type channel? You seem familiar?

[@Snoopsy87]

This would be a great movie :D

[@nijimagikku]

Little tune @ the beginning makes me miss highlight history